First Classic

[rapidamundo]

Hi all

I'm about to turn 20 and have had enough of stupidly high insurance quotes on frankly rubbish cars. At the moment I'm cruising about in a 1998 Renault Scenic. It's so crap it I'm scared it's going to put me off driving, and though I've owned a nicer car, I don't see the point of spending £2000+ on a more 'respectable' 1.4l boring mobile.
This has led me to yearn for a classic, something which (hopefully) I can get cheap(er) insurance with, and enjoy a tinker/fettle. At the moment, I'm mainly looking at 3 cars: A classic Mini, an MG MGB GT and a BMW E30 (316/318 most likely). As I'm borderline obsessed with BMW's, the E30 is in the lead, but as I'm trying not to spend more than £2500, finding a good one isn't too easy, also, I think the badge still causes issues at insurance time compared to the other two.
My criteria are:
Rear wheel drive ideally (obviously the Mini is an exception but I can't wait to own something RWD!)
Sub £2.5
Leaded conversion already done (if applicable)
Something with lots of spares/patent parts/experience easily available.
Something which looks/feels a bit special
Cheap to run, but doesn't need to be practical!

Let me know your thoughts!

Edited by rapidamundo on Wednesday 11th January 23:46

[davepoth]

I bought a 316 for £415...Don't. It's got the 1.8 engine, but with a carburettor, so it's both less powerful and less economical than the 318. Get one with a straight 6 in if you can, there are still plenty of decent ones about for £2.5k.

Have you considered a Triumph Dolomite?

[Jimmy No Hands]

Snap, I've just acquired an E30 316 for running about in. I honestly love it, yes it is slow and not terribly economical but it handles quite well and is a charming little thing. £300 on a classic policy, there's not much not to like.

[falkster]

If you go E30 you might aswell try a 320, it won't cost anymore than I 316/318 on fuel to run but not sure about insurance though! Probably get it on a classic policy, some insurers cover daily cars as classics.
The 320 will make you smile so much more that the lazy 4 pots!!

[swifthobo]

define classic car my newest is 19yo my oldest is 22yo i don't class them as classics i think they are retro so an e30 about the same times surely isn't a classic?

[NadiR]

I would definitely go for the E30, being a BMW fan myself, I would also recommend that you take a look at the older E21 3 Series; they are slightly harder to find then the E30 but 2.5k will get you an example (although I recommend spending nearer to 3k).

[PainTrain]

I'm 21 and got a mini just before I turned 20, it costs me 400 quid a year to insure, and I have a colourful license to say the least. It's not fast, but I have other vehicles for that, but what it does do well, it does very well indeed.

It's fun, good looking, good on fuel, and cheap to run.

And girls love it.

[rapidamundo]

Thanks for the quick replies, glad the E30 is popular. You're right, 'classic' is definitely subjective but in my mind there is a cut off between dated/old and a classic. Something to do with a car's 'cool' factor probably. For example I wouldn't say a MK2 Astra is a classic whereas a Mk2 golf is, weird I know. Anyhow, in my mind an E30 is a classic! I hadn't considered at a dolomite, not a fan of the styling really. I have looked at a Spitfire/Stag but both are pretty ropey at the price point!

[soad]

I'd take a classic mini from that shortlist myself.

[CDP]

swifthobo said:

define classic car

Something really interesting, quaint, charming, pretty or that moves the game on.

The Lotus Elise was a classic the day it was launched. I doubt a Nissan Sunny could ever be.

[swifthobo]

CDP said:

Something really interesting, quaint, charming, pretty or that moves the game on.

The Lotus Elise was a classic the day it was launched. I doubt a Nissan Sunny could ever be.

for insurance like over certain age or what ever say i try and insure a austin allegro its not pretty its not something that springs to mind when you think classic however it is but why?

[swifthobo]

and i hope you mean the s1

[angularocelot]

falkster said:

If you go E30 you might aswell try a 320, it won't cost anymore than I 316/318 on fuel to run but not sure about insurance though! Probably get it on a classic policy, some insurers cover daily cars as classics.
The 320 will make you smile so much more that the lazy 4 pots!!

the 318is is 140hp. lovely little car going at reasonable prices.

[CDP]

swifthobo said:

for insurance like over certain age or what ever say i try and insure a austin allegro its not pretty its not something that springs to mind when you think classic however it is but why?

An Allegro is quaint and intersting. With these strange hi-line bonnets on modern cars the Allegro is even beginning to look quite sleek and elegant.

Many insurers look at fifteen years, some twenty and some insist on an owners club. It varies and you have to asked them.

[twazzock]

E30 would be a good intro to classics as well, it's actually pretty modern. The 4-pots will be fairly slow (318is aside) but still quite fun. When I looked insurance was horrible compared to just about everything. Depends what you're looking for but if it was a second car I'd be looking for something older, like the British stuff you mention. Minis, MGBs, Midget, Spitfires, Minors, Landies, Imps, Dolomites etc. all have great parts availability, big helpful communities, easy to work on, lots of brokers willing to insure. Great first classics but perhaps not ideal as a daily as they will require a bit more looking after. Plenty of choice for your budget, any more details on criteria?

[swifthobo]

CDP said:

An Allegro is quaint and intersting. With these strange hi-line bonnets on modern cars the Allegro is even beginning to look quite sleek and elegant.

Many insurers look at fifteen years, some twenty and some insist on an owners club. It varies and you have to asked them.

never knew that and seriously don't you mean st and ugly i mean i dislike modern cars but you'd never see me anywhere near an allegro

[CDP]

swifthobo said:

never knew that and seriously don't you mean st and ugly i mean i dislike modern cars but you'd never see me anywhere near an allegro

Take a good long look at an Alfa Mito, new shape Ka, Seat, Fabia. Now look at the Allegro. Suprisingly sporty isn't it?

[swifthobo]

really?

[rossmc88]

Definitely get an E30 318IS with the 16V M42 engine, not far off a 325 sport (I've owned a 325 so I can give you an honest comparison) and has the same suspension/brakes/interior. Insurance companies don't hammer you for insurance either as they don't seem to realise what they are since the CC is low or you could get classic insurance.

Watch out for cheaper rusty cars, it's worth spending extra to get something clean. Sign up to e30zone.net, you will get all the info you ever need. Like previously said, E30's are quite modern, they have electric windows/mirrors/abs/power steering/16v engine in the IS.

The 6 cyclinder M20 engines make a lovely noise, but the extra and insurance costs and fuel are a pain

Here's mine, it's a minter, cost £1900, won't be depreciating any time soon, does 30-40 MPG and is reliable.

Edited by rossmc88 on Thursday 12th January 00:57

[davepoth]

swifthobo said:

really?

Yes.